Dee Steed on March 18th, 2008

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner,I had a butchers at the site, and couldn't believe my old mince pies...

I've read your book, it's a great read for all ages!!!

Keep up the cockney spirit George, we may have to look a little harder now to find old London, but sites like this help keep things alive.

God Bless You xx

Peter on March 24th, 2008

A Unusually Honest Biography.

The hidden whistle and flute, written by the pearly king of Peckham, GEORGE MAJOR. Is without doubt the book that arouses the senses, impossible to put down, each page compells the reader to read on, with pages of joy, laughter and sadness.This story will take you from early childhood which was traumatic through schooling and work years and military service and on to a business life .In truth,A truly remarkable journey.

Diane Martin on March 26th, 2008

My old China Plate George, i was there with you i just wanted to give little Georgie a big cuddle. What a fantastic book. I have known george for a number of years and he never lost his joy and giving to others in spite of what he had experienced in his younger years, an inspiration of true love to mankind.I cannot wait for stitch two, onwards and upwards George!!

Angie on March 28th, 2008

What a fantastic web site and what a great book, I enjoyed it so much i've recomended it to my friends and family and have even bought more copys from Amazon to give out as presents. Can't wait for the next one.

Angela on April 2nd, 2008

I had the pleasure of going to the book launch, held in the Old Kent Road, London. George Major is a personal friend and until I read the book I had no idea of what a traumatic life he had, he never feels sorry for himself or talks about his past and is always there to listen to and help others. He is a truly inspirational man and always comes across as a happy go lucky, cheeky chappie. Because I know him does not make me biased, this is an excellent book and is not all about George but about the tradition that is the Pearly Kings & Queens and what they stand for. It is a fantastic read and will be enjoyed by all.

Chloe, Capital 95.8 Help a London Child on April 2nd, 2008

Personally, I thought your book was an inspiration. The patience that you showed throguhout everything you have been through was admirable and I was pleased to come away from it having learnt more about the tradition of Costers and thier development into Pearlies, a valuable part of the book ,I feel and a community that I wished I could have been lucky enought to see first hand. It was an absolute privalige to have the oppertunity to read this, thank-you George.

Maria on April 11th, 2008

Dear George,I have just finished your first book, The Hidden Whistle And Flute and can honestly say that I haven't read anything so emotionally captivating and humbling ever before. I cried, smiled and laughed. Well Done, it was fantastic.

Could you please tell me where I can get a copy of your second book? The Stolen Whistle And Flute, I have tried Amazon and Waterston's but without success.

I look forward to hearing from you.Kind regards,Maria Witney

Pearly King of Peckham on April 15th, 2008

Dear Maria,

First thank you for your comments on my Blog Page.You asked where you can get my second book THE STOLEN WHISTLE AND FLUTE well it is not quite finished yet but I expect it ready by the end of the year or beginning of next,which I am told will be better and bigger.It is people like you who express there views that lets others know which helps to sell more books and in this case helps a London child and they do need our help.Please keep in touch and any more news on the second book you will be the first to know.

Best Of Cockney Luck

George

Pearly King Of Peckham.

Mary Farmer on April 16th, 2008

It was an inspiration to see Mr George Major, Pearly King of Peckham at the opening of the Westside Suport Services, Service User Event on the 1st April. Mr Major did not hesitate to make all the service users feel comfortable. His tremendous character seemed to be a hit with everyone and his kind personality made the event very special. It was a delight for him to participate as it is clear that the history of the Pearly King is very important to London, especially considering the charitable history of the Costermongers. Most of the service users remarked after the event that George made the laugh and he talked to them all as individuals, which made people feel important. This was a special occasion especially considering how excluded our service users are. George showed there is human spirit still out there and gave everyone a reason to believe in human kindness. If there was more like George our world would be a better place. George did this event out of kindness and he is a true star. Mary Farmer (Social Worker)

Chevi Daniels on April 16th, 2008

I have have just finished reading the Hidden Whistle and Flute. It was such an interesting read. The part where he does not know who his mother or history was had me going and I am still wanting to find out what happens in the end. Hurry up with that other book so I don't have to wait too long in suspense. I will pass the book on as it is full suprise and laughter. I think the man George is very brave and to think how he helps charity's now is astonishing. Wow for the Pearly King. Chevi Daniels

Maria on April 20th, 2008

Dear George,

I tried to e-mail you but it bounced back… Thank you for your kind words, I keep telling people about your book and how good it is, if I can get one person to read it who maybe wouldn’t have done so and they in turn do the same, you’ll soon have quite a following.

Take care and all the very best to someone very special.

Maria

Brenda on April 29th, 2008

A fantastic story what a strong character.

I found it to be a bit of a mixed bag parts of it had me reaching for the tissue box other parts made me smile and chuckle .

Looking forward to the next one, Stitch Two, The Stolen Whistle & Flute

jim o'gara on April 30th, 2008

A great book well written will take you through all the emotions.Once you start to read it you wont be able to put it down.Cant wait for part two

Ted Luckhurst on May 1st, 2008

Dear George,

I have just finished reading your book and I felt very sad at times the way members of your family treated you and the difficult time you had as a young boy. The Cruelty that was dished out by your bully of a father, and the indifference of your aunt, brought tears to my eyes.

Then parts of your early life brought joy and laughter to me. Despite your very bad start your determination and hard work made you what you are today. You are a credit to us all and I feel proud to know you. I look forward to your next book, stitch two. Til then George, the best of luck and I know you will carry on doing your charity work as the King.

From your mate Ted, the crazy plumber

Angie on May 12th, 2008

George came to my daughters wedding dressed in his pearls and made the whole day go with a swing, my daughter adored him and so did our guests he made a point of chatting to absolutely everyone.Just want to say thank you George you put an extra bit of shine on a brilliant day.All the best.Angie

Paul on May 15th, 2008

Dear George

It was a great honour to have a King as out VIP guest at the town's celebration of its 30th Anniversary of twinning with Luynes. We hope you enjoyed the evening; you certainly gave the theme an authenticity. For me it has been along time since I have seen a Pearly King (and for many at the party it was their first glimpse of an old London tradition). I thought you and your kindred spirits had died out long ago, but I am delighted that you are still going strong. I haven't had a chance to read your book you so kindly autographed, but when I do, I hope I will learn more about traditions. Correction, I have just had a sneak preview of the book and suddenly I had to tear myself away having just read the first 19 pages! It's good and we are going away next weekend over the bank holiday, so already I am looking forward to a good read over the next week or so.

I hope you had a good journey home it seemed a long way to go at such a late hour. I am sending a cheque to cover your expenses and perhaps a small donation towards your charity. You have a charming family and such an attractive Pearly Queen and Pearly Princess, you must be quite proud of them.

On behalf of the Association, thank you for coming to see us and helping to make it such a memorable, even royal evening.

Yours sincerelyPaul Brunt

Keith DAZ N CHAVE on June 9th, 2008

Fantastic book. good luck mate. From K n P

Leah/Princess. on June 15th, 2008 I'm 13 years of age, and have read the whole book. Great read, you just dont want to put the book down. All ages will enjoy. I loved it and would definatley recommend it.

Much love,

Leah/Princess x

Jay & brandon on June 16th, 2008 we like your site we think it is greati like you mr bean car and your head in itits funny anyway good bye george c yah soonfrom you greatists fans brandon and jay...xxx

Leah/Princess. on June 15th, 2008

I'm 13 years of age, and have read the whole book. Great read, you just dont want to put the book down. All ages will enjoy. I loved it and would definatley recommend it.

Much love,

Leah/Princess x

Jay & brandon on June 16th, 2008

we like your site we think it is greati like you mr bean car and your head in itits funny anyway good bye george c yah soonfrom you greatists fans brandon and jay...xxx

George on June 20th, 2008

to all the children of Ivydale school in peckham....your musical play PEARLIES giving the history of our pearly tradition was a show that brought tears to my eyes,not only did you all do it with meaning but from the heart as well,I am so proud of each one of you ,you were all my pearly kings and queens,you also proved that peckham kids are the best and not what the media likes to print,you were a shinning example of real peckham people.I am going to help you to put that show on again but this time for the world to see and hear and prove that the peckham kids have a good heart and talent,you are stars.GeorgePearly King Of Peckhamxxx

Brenda on June 30th, 2008

Wow what a remarkable story, it made me laugh, it made me cry but most of all I am glad that George survived his ordeals and lived to share his remarkable story with us.I wish you all the best, Keep up the good work you have been true inspiration to me.

Can't wait for the second book'

Yvonne on July 19th, 2008

George was kind enough to give me a copy of his book and I am really glad he did! It is a really good read and an amazing insight into his troubled young life. I am so pleased he managed to come through such a heartbreaking childhood victorious. I didnt really know anything about the pearly history and found it fascinating to learn about. I have already recommended the book and will continue to do so. I wish you all the luck in the world George and I can't wait for Stitch 2!, Luv, Yvonne x

george on July 23rd, 2008

What a treat how the old days were not all black and white,lots of ducking and diving,a great uplifting story and read takes me back.John Floor ManagerBritain At War ExperienceTooley StreetLondon BridgeJohn Welsh

Hannah Ringham on August 18th, 2008

To GeorgeThankyou so much for your book. Even thinking about it now I find it moving. So honest, and very very funny! I was moved to tears, particulary at the beginning- and it's such a good story full of London history and told so well. I have talked and talked about it I can't recommend it enough. The best thing about the book is the warmth I felt when I read it.Hannah xx

Paul Ross on September 2nd, 2008

George

I met you at London Bridge when you were down at the Shunt Vaults a couple of weeks ago and was it was very interesting to hear you talking about your life and experiences and those of the Pearlies.

To be honest with you I swear to God ,I have never been so moved by reading any book in my life.(I have not even finished the book yet)I was choked with emotion whilst reading the first few pages, on the train ,morning rush hour fighting the tears back.

There are many times in our lives where we struggle to find a reason for things that happen.But what is most important is that those who "goforward" those who carried on despite all that happened in the past,come out stronger as a reult.

You made a good move carrying on George,because the love in your heart mate, and the way you describe life as it was in your youth,from first hand experience gives other generations an insight into how life was when you were a nipper.good and bad.I feel very priviledged to have met you and happy to have a taste of life in the "hidden whistle".from Pillar to postHope to see you again soon.from your new "china "

Paul the carpenter

Michelle Brooker on April 16th, 2009

Wednesday afternoon saw the prison library full of cockney cheer as the immensely entertaining pearly king, George Major delivered a talk to a group of approximately twenty five prisoners and staff. Fortified with several cups of rosie lee, George told us about the origins and history of the Pearlies and the charity work that they still carry out today as well as answering questions from the audience. Besides turning up in full pearly dress George had also brought along photographs of bygone pearly families and various other memorabilia that helped to bring the talk alive. Even prisoners reluctant to be involved initially, were slowly drawn in by George's narration.

Afterwards the prisoners were were positive about the event, discussing it long after they had returned to the wings. They found the stories entertaining and were interested to learn about a little bit of London's history and the old traditions. Their enthusiasm is reflected in a few of the comments taken from the evaluation forms that they were asked to complete at the end of the event:

‘Even though I am from Newcastle I found it interesting'

‘...interesting, George was a good bloke...'

‘It was an experience...don't get to meet people like him'.

Hope this is OK and if you ever want to come back please let me know

Michele

john hatchman on May 6th, 2009

Dear Georgewith thanks for visiting the sick childrens trust today, it was a pleasure to meet you.Carry on with the good work.fraternally & faithfully

john hatchman

Dear Mr. Major,

I would ask that you please excuse this intrusion into your personal life, but I feel compelled to write and thank you for sharing your inspiring and highly emotional memories with us in the form of "My hidden whistle & flute. The first stitch;I feel sure you have been told this a million times over, but when i began reading your book I found it impossible to put down.I have tried to imagine the cruelty and uncertainty that you had to endure, the lack of parental love, care and guidance, but with my heart and soul I cannot even begin to comprehend what you went through or where you found the inner strength and courage to achieve the things you did and still do. You have faced up to and overcome huge obstacles where the vast majority of people would have simply given up and succumbed to whatever life threw at them. Not only have you built a life from nothing but you are without doubt one of the most resourceful, caring and compassionate people that has ever walked this earth.I await the publication of "The second stitch" and feel privileged to have read "The first stitch".I would like to add my thanks to you for the way you have treated Lisa my step daughter since she has lived in one of your properties she speaks of you with the highest regard and since reading your book I understand exactly what she means.I wish you love, luck and happiness George in all you do.With best regardsAnthony Shaw

Anthony Shaw on 3rd June 2010

Dear Mr. Major,

I would ask that you please excuse this intrusion into your personal life, but I feel compelled to write and thank you for sharing your inspiring and highly emotional memories with us in the form of "My hidden whistle & flute. The first stitch;I feel sure you have been told this a million times over, but when i began reading your book I found it impossible to put down.I have tried to imagine the cruelty and uncertainty that you had to endure, the lack of parental love, care and guidance, but with my heart and soul I cannot even begin to comprehend what you went through or where you found the inner strength and courage to achieve the things you did and still do. You have faced up to and overcome huge obstacles where the vast majority of people would have simply given up and succumbed to whatever life threw at them. Not only have you built a life from nothing but you are without doubt one of the most resourceful, caring and compassionate people that has ever walked this earth.I await the publication of "The second stitch" and feel privileged to have read "The first stitch".I would like to add my thanks to you for the way you have treated Lisa my step daughter since she has lived in one of your properties she speaks of you with the highest regard and since reading your book I understand exactly what she means.I wish you love, luck and happiness George in all you do.With best regardsAnthony Shaw